Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the milestone of nine months residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained a wealth of understanding during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, recognized not only for its variety of living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide a range of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom empower international students to explore their future living spaces online, assess the amenities available, and evaluate their proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is split into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a fantastic transport network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transport could amount to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. Central London is home to major sites, resulting in higher living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably reduced our rental costs. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations for the opportunity to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less common in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being located near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire the comforts of their homeland. Southall, found in West London, houses a significant South Asian population complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Situated in the very center of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with various Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.